3814 The effects of an online psycho-education programme on psychological outcomes in spousal caregivers of older adults with frailty

Abstract Introduction Spousal caregivers are fundamental to the support of older adults with frailty but often experience significant psychological challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an online psychoeducation programme tailored for this group. Methods We conducted a single-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Spousal caregivers were randomly assigned to either the online psychoeducation intervention or an attention-control group. Feasibility was determined by eligibility, recruitment, attrition, and adherence rates. Acceptability was assessed via post-intervention satisfaction surveys and semi-structured interviews. Preliminary intervention effects were measured using primary outcome (psychological wellbeing) and secondary outcomes (positive aspects of caregiving, caregiving self-efficacy, coping and psychological distress). Results The trial proved highly feasible, with eligibility at 69.2%, recruitment at 66.7%, low attrition (13.3%), and high adherence (86.7%). Participant feedback from surveys and interviews confirmed the programme was both acceptable and valuable. Post-intervention, the group receiving psychoeducation demonstrated significantly greater improvements in both problem-focused (Hedges’ g = 0.83) and emotion-focused (g = 0.75) coping compared to the control group. Although not statistically significant, positive trends were also observed for psychological wellbeing, positive aspects of caregiving and caregiving self-efficacy. However, the programme had a limited effect on reducing psychological distress. Conclusions This pilot trial demonstrates that an online psychoeducation programme is a feasible and acceptable intervention for spousal caregivers of older adults with frailty. It shows considerable promise in enhancing positive psychological outcomes in sustainable spousal caregiving. These encouraging findings strongly support the case for a larger-scale trial with extended follow-up to confirm the programme’s effectiveness.